Business setup · Professional services
How to Start a Recruitment Agency in the UAE
A recruitment agency in the UAE is a regulated business that needs a trade licence and a separate permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) before it can operate. MOHRE sets conditions on eligibility, a bank guarantee or insurance by licence type, financial reliability and a physical business address, and both the licence and permit must stay valid.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts
- Licences needed
- Trade licence and MOHRE permit
- Guarantee
- Bank guarantee or insurance set by MOHRE per licence type
- Premises
- Physical, verifiable business address
- Eligibility
- No relevant convictions for owners or partners
- Domestic workers
- Separate Tadbeer regime
What do you need to know first?
Recruitment is a regulated activity because it involves workers’ rights and fees. MOHRE licenses private employment agencies, and the type of permit, such as employment intermediation or temporary work, determines the guarantee required. Owners and partners must not have convictions for offences such as dishonesty, human trafficking or labour violations.
Recruiting domestic workers for households is a separate regime handled through MOHRE-licensed Tadbeer centres. Agencies placing professionals with companies are licensed under the private employment agency rules.
Agencies must keep their MOHRE permit and trade licence valid at the same time; if either lapses, the agency cannot legally place candidates. Diarise both renewals and the expiry of the guarantee together.
Regulators
Which approvals are needed?
Where to set up
Which jurisdictions suit this activity?
Visas: Agency staff need employment visas. Candidates placed with clients are employed and sponsored by the client, or by the agency under a temporary work permit.
Process
Step by step
-
01
Choose the agency model
Intermediation, temporary staffing or both.
-
02
Trade licence
Obtain the licence with recruitment activities.
-
03
Premises
Lease a physical office.
-
04
MOHRE permit
Apply with the guarantee, credit report and declarations.
-
05
Compliance
Fee rules, contracts and record-keeping.
Checklist
What should you prepare before applying?
Settle these before you pay any government fees.
- 01
Choose the agency model: intermediation, temporary staffing or both.
- 02
Confirm the guarantee amount for that model with MOHRE.
- 03
Lease a physical, verifiable office.
- 04
Prepare credit reports and declarations for owners and partners.
- 05
Set compliant fee rules and candidate contracts.
Frequently asked
Questions about recruitment agency in the UAE
Do recruitment agencies need MOHRE approval?
Yes. Private employment agencies need a MOHRE permit in addition to the trade licence, and both must be valid before operating.
Is a bank guarantee required for a recruitment agency?
Yes. MOHRE requires a bank guarantee or insurance, with the amount set by the type of agency licence. Confirm the current amount with MOHRE before budgeting.
Can a recruitment agency use a virtual office?
MOHRE requires a physical, verifiable business address, so a virtual office is not enough.
Can I recruit maids and nannies?
Domestic worker recruitment is handled through MOHRE-licensed Tadbeer centres under a separate regime.
Can recruitment agencies charge candidates fees?
UAE rules restrict charging workers recruitment fees. Agencies are generally paid by employers; check MOHRE’s current rules before setting your fee model.
How long does a recruitment agency licence take?
It depends on the trade licence, premises and MOHRE review. Preparing the guarantee and documents in advance shortens the process.
Can a free zone recruitment consultancy place candidates in UAE companies?
Placing workers with UAE employers is regulated by MOHRE. Free zone consultancies focused on international hiring should confirm whether their model needs a MOHRE permit before working with onshore clients.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Regulators update their rules. These are the authoritative references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Ready to license your recruitment agency business?
We confirm the activity, approvals and best jurisdiction before you pay any government fees.